What is the difference between an immigrant visa and a green card?
An immigrant visa and a green card are both classified as documents that are used to legally enter the United States and gain permanent residency. The main difference between them is which countries must process them. An immigrant visa is the document used by foreign nationals who are considered immigrants, and it is processed by a U.S. embassy or consulate located in the foreign country. A green card, also known as a Permanent Resident Card, is the document used by foreign nationals who are already in the United States, either on a temporary visa or have overstayed their visa, and is processed by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Immigrant visas are usually accompanied by a packet of materials known as a “Visa Packet” which contains the required documents needed to apply for the visa. Green cards are usually received by the foreign national upon successful completion of the application process in the United States. On the other hand, a green card offers many benefits that an immigrant visa does not provide, such as the right to live and work in the United States, the right to receive government benefits, the right to travel, and ultimately, the right to apply for citizenship in the United States. Immigrant visas, however, do not provide the same benefits, and foreign nationals must wait for green card processing to obtain these benefits. In conclusion, immigrant visas and green cards are both documents used to legally enter the United States, however, the main difference is that immigrant visas are processed by a U.S. embassy or consulate located in the foreign country, while green cards are processed in the United States by the USCIS, and offer more benefits.
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